Why the Company Gym is a Bargain

Finnegan Pierson

Working from home can provide many positive benefits, but the time spent away from the office can be lonely for some, and despite the perceived freedom, it can actually be a little unhealthy since it is tougher to make time to get to the gym. And with the kitchen so close to the desk, many work-from-home employees find snacking all day negatively influences weight. Also, when household chores are readily available, it can be hard to take the time to go for a walk or drive to a gym. So when a company offers an on-site gym, this can be a great enticement to working on-site.  

Company gyms were started as a benefit to the employer. The employer values healthy employees to keep absenteeism down, and healthy employees lower health care costs for the employer. Companies began providing on-site gyms to ensure employees have free and convenient access to the equipment needed to keep them healthy. Employees who use the gyms can benefit in several ways.

Health

Working a sedentary job has been compared to the negative health outcomes similar to those who smoke cigarettes. More and more studies are showing that sitting at a desk all day is not healthy. Sit-stand-up workstations do provide some benefit, but not a workout. They don’t increase your heart rate and won’t help you lose weight. Even with a company gym, you won’t be working out each hour, but if you start or end your day at the gym, you will have an increased focus on your health all day long.

Working out is a great way to reduce stress and increase energy. Studies show that those who exercise regularly are more inclined to eat healthier, take vitamins, and have better overall health outcomes. A Thrive Patch, a transdermal patch that offers vitamins and minerals throughout the day, can provide energy to help combat the unhealthy effects of sitting at a desk.

Price

Gym memberships are costly and, depending on the facility, can cost between $58 to $200 a month. Most people who join gyms rarely use them. That’s a steep investment and, if rarely used, is money wasted. Some company gyms offer free classes in yoga and overall fitness or provide trainers. By using the company gym, you’ll not only save the cost of a gym membership, but you can look at it as an increase in your salary.

Convenience

Having a gym at your work means you don’t have to drive to another location that may be out of your line of travel. Once you are on your way home, the enticement of household chores or stopping at the grocery store can persuade you from veering off your course to go to the gym. If you’re already going to work and can schedule a workout session before or after work, you have a better chance of actually attending.

If the weather is bad, you may be able to spend some time walking indoors on a treadmill. The more time you spend on exercise, the more you’ll look for ways to fit exercise into your life. Even if you can’t do a complete workout before or after work, you can usually make time for a short workout before heading home. You’ll feel energized and refreshed.

Accomplishments

At the end of the day, you can feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that you performed your job and completed your workout. The unhealthy effects of the sedentary job will be lessened. If you visit the gym regularly, your health goals of losing weight and getting in shape can become a reality.

Company gyms provide many benefits for the employer and the employee. It is worth it to check out what they have to offer. Besides the benefits mentioned, the peer pressure of co-workers can be a great motivator. When others in your company see you as committed to your health and making improvements in your life, you are seen as more successful.